Well here's your invitation to a high-tech hobby that's got fun for everyone. Radio amateurs are people from all walks of life - no matter what age, gender or physical ability. Getting started in Amateur Radio has never been easier!

New Zealanders as young as 8 become radio amateurs and senior citizens study and succeed too! About one person in 800 of the New Zealand population is a Radio Amateur.

You can successfully study on your own as many others have done, or attend local amateur radio classes sponsored by friendly volunteers who will help you. In New Zealand the qualification is managed by the Ministry of Economic Development Radio Spectrum Management. It opens the world to you!

How do I qualify?
To obtain a General Amateur Radio Operators Certificate of Competency, you must pass a radio theory and regulations examination, make application and pay a fee, that’s all! You are not required to pass a Morse code test.

The privileges are immense.

On the popular 2-metre band you can enjoy using small hand-held radios to stay in touch with other amateurs in your area. You may operate FM voice, digital packet (computers), amateur TV, single sideband voice and other interesting modes too. You can even make international radio contacts by amateur radio satellites, using relatively simple equipment. You may use the popular shortwave frequencies to communicate worldwide using voice, Morse code and many other modes too.

The examination is a multiple-choice test, written with beginners in mind. You'll study topics such as radio operating practices, the amateur radio rules and regulations, and basic radio theory. Sample test papers are available.

Where Do I Start?
You are invited to attend one of our club meetings. We can offer amateur radio beginners’ classes and have many experienced operators who are keen to answer your questions. There are many popular amateur radio books to help you to learn the things you'll need to know to pass your test. Ask to be shown typical books.

The NZART web site http://www.nzart.org.nz has a free STUDY GUIDE. It contains the full question bank and has sample test questions too. Books with exam information can be purchased from NZART. The Amateur Radio examinations are administered by local amateur radio volunteers at a mutually-arranged place and time. When you're ready to take your test, a session can be arranged near you.

Feel free to phone 04 528 2170 or fax 04 528 2173 for more information. This is the Headquarters of the New Zealand Association of Radio Transmitters, an incorporated society representing radio amateurs and dedicated to furthering Amateur Radio.

Or write to:
NZART, P.O. Box 40 525, Upper Hutt,
email nzart@nzart.org.nz

NZART has Non-Transmitting Members and you are welcome to join too.

Your local Amateur Radio Examiners are Ralph & Rosemary Boshier (ZL4AG & ZL1RO), and you can contact them on (09) 4445735 or by email. They will be pleased to answer your questions.

We look forward to meeting you - and we look forward to contacting you on the air by Amateur Radio!